3D Volume Channel Identification Using Morphological Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying conducting channels in 3D volumes, particularly in the context of electrophysiology for treating arrhythmias, are laborious and time-consuming, relying on manual visualization which is prone to errors and requires extensive fluoroscopy, limiting the number of patients that can be treated effectively and posing health risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using dilation and erosion morphological operations to automatically identify candidate channel regions and volumes within 3D volumes, based on electrical parameter values, allowing for the detection of channels that are not easily visible through visual inspection, by generating patches and projecting points to determine candidate channel points and regions across multiple layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visualization methods are used to identify conducting channels, then the identification process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is laborious, time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated computer-implemented method that processes 3D volumetric data using morphological operations. The system automatically identifies candidate channel regions by applying dilation and erosion operations to segmented scar tissue volumes, eliminating the need for laborious manual visualization while improving identification accuracy and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the computer-implemented method independently performs the entire channel identification process without requiring operator intervention. The automated processing of 3D volumetric data through morphological operations allows the system to identify conducting channels autonomously, freeing operators from time-consuming manual tasks while maintaining consistent accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If extensive fluoroscopy is used to monitor catheter position, then accurate positioning can be achieved, but health risks increase and the number of treatable patients is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopy-based monitoring with an automated 3D volumetric data processing system that provides accurate catheter positioning information without ionizing radiation. The computer-implemented method processes pre-acquired 3D volumetric data to identify conducting channels and guide catheter placement, eliminating the need for extensive fluoroscopy and associated health risks while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If automated morphological operations are applied to identify candidate channel regions, then identification speed and accuracy improve, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the 3D volumetric data into distinct regions through morphological operations. The dilation operation expands scar tissue boundaries to identify potential channel regions, while erosion refines these regions to isolate candidate channels. This segmented approach to processing complex 3D data enables automated identification with improved speed and accuracy while managing computational complexity through systematic region division.
Data Source
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AI summary
Computer implemented methods for identifying channels in a 3D volume and computer program product implementing the methods The methods comprise: a) obtaining a 3D volume of the object containing two different sub-volumes identified as: well-defined zone (S) and not-well-defined zone (BZ) sub-volumes; b) generating well-defined zone (S) and not-well-defined zone (BZ) patches from the two sub-volumes; c) automatically identifying the possible channels by means of automatically obtaining candidate channels regions(CCR), dilating the perimeters of the well-defined zone (S) patches. The method includes embodiments for a layered approach, an EAM polygonal mesh approach and a volume approach. The computer program product is adapted to implement part or all of the steps of the method of the invention. The EAM system comprises computing navigation means implementing the method of the invention.